Innovation Specialist R&D (AI Focus)

Over deze functie

**What you will do**

In this role, you operate at the intersection of innovation, technology, and applied AI. You translate complex challenges into concrete, validated use cases and early-stage concepts, working closely with researchers, customers, and end users.

* You analyse complex problems and workflows, translating them into a clear scope and direction for AI-driven (prototype) development projects.
* You collaborate closely with researchers, customers, and end users to **identify high-value AI use cases**, turning real-world challenges into concrete, feasible opportunities.
* You structure and formalize use cases by defining **requirements, specifications, constraints, data needs, and success criteria**, ensuring alignment across teams and reducing ambiguity.
* You actively contribute to **use case validation**, monitoring research progress against defined specifications and evaluating outcomes at key milestones and completion.
* You identify and engage relevant stakeholders and gather their needs through interviews, workshops, and co-creation sessions.
* You stay up to date with AI and technology trends and translate them into new opportunities, with a focus on domains such as:

* *Digital Twinning*
* *AI for Semicon*
* *AI for Chip Applications*
* *HW/SW Co-design*

* You facilitate workshops (e.g. ideation, Voice of the Customer, concept validation) and synthesize insights from multiple sources to support decision-making.
* You act as a connector between research, engineering, and application domains, contributing to knowledge sharing and cross-team alignment.

**What we do for you**

You will join the **AI Use Cases team**, part of the ISSA expertise centre (Innovative Systems, Software and Applications) at imec.
This team focuses on bridging research and real-world application by:

* **Identifying high-value AI use cases** through structured stakeholder exploration and problem framing
* **Defining clear requirements and specifications** to ensure alignment and actionable development
* **Validating and aligning use cases** by monitoring research progress and evaluating results against defined success criteria

By working closely with AI researchers and application domains, the team ensures that imec’s AI innovations translate into impactful, real-world solutions across sectors such as industry, healthcare, automotive, and beyond.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.